What is the difference between varicose veins and thread veins?

Dr Alex Vesey is our expert consultant vascular surgeon who heads up our varicose vein team at McKeown Medical. Here, he discusses the difference between varicose veins and thread veins.

Published by Dr Alex Vesey

Date posted — 19.08.24

Varicose veins and thread veins, or spider veins, differ in appearance, size, and symptoms.

Varicose veins are large, swollen, and twisted veins that bulge above the skin’s surface, often appearing blue or dark purple. They usually develop in the legs and can cause discomfort, pain, and a heavy feeling.

Thread veins are much smaller, thin, and web-like, appearing just beneath the skin. They are red, blue, or purple and typically painless.

While varicose veins can lead to more serious health issues, thread veins are primarily a cosmetic concern. Both conditions result from poor circulation, but varicose veins are generally more severe.

We offer a range of treatment options for varicose veins, including VenaSeal™ – the most up-to-date method of treating varicose veins that causes less pain and allows you to get back to normal almost immediately, without the hassle of wearing bandages or compression stockings.

Get in touch with our friendly team and we’ll help you find the right varicose vein treatment for you.

Dr Alex Vesey

Our vascular surgery service is led by Dr Alex Vesey. Alex is a highly skilled vascular surgeon with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of vascular conditions. With a focus on minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Vesey is dedicated to providing patients with the most advanced and effective treatments for venous diseases, with a particular interest in the treatment of varicose veins.

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